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Trade Unions deplore suppression in Swaziland PDF Print E-mail

 

Trade Unions in the SADC region deplore the increasing suppression of Human Rights in Swaziland

 

19 February 2010.

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 Swaziland Flag

A coalition of Trade Unions under the Public Service International (PSI) have collectively agreed to give solidarity support and offer a helping hand to achieve a Swaziland free from oppression and violence. The recent reports received by the coalition of Trade Unions about the current brutality meted against the masses are deplorable and disheartening.

On a daily basis progressive forces seeking a better life for all in Swaziland are receiving inhumane treatment from the armed forces under the terrorism act. Swazi nationals of more than three people are unable to meet in the streets, regardless of what their meetings may be about.

We condemn in the strongest terms the behavior of the Swazi Government, and we will mobilize millions collectively in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to respond in whatever way they can to accelerate the struggle for freedom in Swaziland.

For far too long the International Community has left the situation in Swaziland to deteriorate and human rights atrocities to occur.

The delegation of Trade Unions under the PSI has decided unanimously that now is the time for action.  We have already identified strategies in a recent PSI workshop that will enhance our solidarity support and the road to democracy.

We therefore demand the following from the Swaziland Government;
•    Freedom of expression and association for all;
•    The independence of the media;
•    Unbanning of political parties and inclusive participation in consultation with relevant stake holders
•    A cessation of oppressive legislation prohibiting the democratic participation of citizenry; and
•    An end to the State of Emergency and the restoration of constitutional freedoms.

Trade Unions that have endorsed the above course of action;

Botswana Public Employees Union (BOPEU)
Botswana Land Boards and Local Authorities Workers Union (BLLAWU)
Democratic Nursing Organization of South Africa (DENOSA)
Health and Other Services Personnel Trade Union of South Africa (HOSPERSA)
National Public Service Workers Union (NPSWU)
Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (POPCRU)
South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU)
Swaziland National Association of Civil Workers Union (SNACS)
Organizacao Dos Trabalhadores de Mocambique – Central Sindical (OTM-CS)
University of Zambia and Allied Workers` Union (UNZAAWU)
Water Employees Trade Union of Malawi (WETUM)
Zimbabwe Rural District Councils Workers Union (ZRDCWU)

Tahir Sema.
South African Municipal Workers' Union of COSATU.
National Media and Publicity officer.
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